A joint de-escalation proposal by Pakistan and Qatar has urged the US and Iran to return to their pre-July 9 positions “as a first step” to resume stalled talks to permanently end their months-long war, Pakistani government sources told Anadolu on Monday.
The proposal, jointly drafted by Islamabad and Doha after “consulting regional partners,” called on both sides to return to the positions they held before the beginning of the fresh hostilities, the sources added.
Iran on Monday confirmed it has received proposals from mediators aimed at de-escalating tensions and is reviewing them, while reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy amid an exchange of fire between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said during a press briefing that mediators are working to prevent further escalation and have conveyed proposals to Tehran.
“We have received the proposals through mediators, but will not discuss their details at this stage,” Baqaei said.
His remarks come amid continued military exchanges between Iran and the US despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding signed last month to end their conflict and reach a lasting peace agreement.
Tensions, however, escalated again last week over the Strait of Hormuz.
“Returning to the pre-July 9 position will be the first step to halt the raging hostilities and pave the way for the resumption of talks either in Islamabad or Doha,” a Pakistani source close to the ongoing mediation efforts said.
